Over 150 different species of moth have been recorded in the gardens at Shandy Hall.

Outdoor Adventures

Walkers can enjoy the Cleveland Way and the Yorkshire Wolds Way National Trails which go through the North York Moors area. The coastline makes up part of the international North Sea Trail.

Those exploring on two wheels can take in some of the historical sites and experience the dramatic western scarp of the North York Moors on route 65, Sustran’s The White Rose Cycle Route or ride the whole or parts of the Moor to Sea Cycle Network, a 150 mile way marked network of quiet lanes and cross-country tracks linking the historic towns of Scarborough, Whitby, Pickering and Great Ayton.

For a more extreme cycling adventure, test your skills on one of Dalby Forest’s mountain bike trails where you can visit Dalby Bike Barn for advice, hire, repairs and the latest bike gear. Guisborough Forest is also popular with mountain bikers and there are many routes across the moors that include killer climbs, tricky descents and some of the best singletrack in England.

You can also try a range of other activities with Nero or Valley Adventures including bushcraft, survival skills, surfing, raft building, and even circus skills.

Different ways to enjoy and explore

Hop on a steam train on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway and get off at Newtondale Halt, walking through the woods to Levisham Station to get on a train again.

The Esk Valley Railway also offers you the chance to leave the driving to someone else whilst you admire the passing landscape.

Discover the coast and all its treasures on a ‘Real Staithes’ experience with fisherman Sean Baxter and his family. On a circular walk from Staithes you can find plants for dyeing and eating, find fossils and jet, spot seabirds and enjoy a seafood picnic at their old fisherman’s hut in Port Mulgrave.

Make lasting memories on an unforgettable wildlife trip with Yorkshire Coast Nature. Whether you like to spot snakes and badgers or honey buzzards and puffins, there will be a nature safari to suit you.